Albanese government looking for 'other ways' to tackle online threats, will not revive misinformation laws

Sky News AU

14-05-2025

The Albanese government has said it will not revive controversial misinformation and disinformation laws, but will look for 'other ways' to tackle online threats.
In a statement to Sky News, a government spokesperson ruled out reviving the misinformation laws, despite Labor holding increased power in the parliament.
'Seriously harmful mis- and disinformation poses a threat to safety, the integrity of elections, democracy, and national security,' the spokesperson said.
'The Australian government will continue to find other ways to support Australians with trusted and reliable information… while safeguarding values like freedom of expression.'
The original legislation, introduced by former communications minister Michelle Rowland, was dropped after failing to attract support in the Senate.
The proposed laws had threatened online platforms with fines of up to five per cent of their annual revenue for failing to curb misinformation.
The bill failed to garner support from any Senator outside of the Labor Party, with critics warning it would have a chilling effect on public debate.
Independent Senator David Pocock labelled the bill as the 'totally the wrong approach' and warned it threatened freedom of expression.
Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said her party would reject the bill due to concerns it would not 'deal with the real issues' driving misinformation.
Following the bill's failure, the government signalled its intention to pursue alternative proposals for regulating online content.
These include strengthening laws against non-consensual deep and sexually explicit fakes and introducing laws to enforce truth in political advertising.
The Institute of Public Affairs recently speculated that the new Communications Minister, Anika Wells, might attempt to quietly revive the bill.
The Albanese government has shut down those claims.